Wildlife Photography - Wildlife Photo Tour in South Africa, Day 6

* * *  Read the latest post on my South Africa Wildlife Tour  * * *

I am on the 6th day of my South Africa Wildlife Photo Tour. It took 2 days to get to Johannesburg but I flew on one of the best Jumbo planes flying these days. It's The Magic Bus, the Airbus A380, a double decker flying behemoth. Quieter than the Boeing 747-8 Jumbo jet and very well design in passenger comfort and ergonomics.

The Magic Bus - Airbus A380

I am slowly recovering from jet lag. The first few days was very tiring for me because I had little sleep and the weather is very hot, even though it is only early spring, down here in the Southern Hemisphere. So far, wildlife sightings are very good with an encounter of 4 big male lions who coalesce into a Band of Brothers, defending their territory fiercely against other male lions who have eyes on their lioness and space.

Leopard cub resting in a tree

Additional encounters with Leopards and cubs, Wild dogs and puppies, Elephants, Rhinos, Cape Buffaloes, Hippos, various species of antelopes, zebras and bird species round out the sightings for the first few days. I expect some of the future safaris to be less spectacular. Such is the law of averages when it comes to wildlife tours.

The Three Musketeers

I have little time to really look over the photos but managed to put together a few for this post. I am anxious to see some Cheetahs if possible because this is one big cat missing from my tour right now. Visit MichaelDanielHo.com to see additional wildlife photos from my past tours and keep checking back for more updates. 

Wildlife Photography in the Southern Oceans - Day 11

Still on my photo shoot down in the Southern Oceans. Weather and sea conditions are quite nice but wildlife sightings are so so. Saw quite a few whale blows and even a breach about one hundred feet from the bow of the ship but not able to photograph any cetaceans so far.

The bird sightings are a bit better with decent Albatross, Arctic terns and Penguin action. The Canon EOS-7D Mk II, EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II and EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II gear I brought along to test are working just fine but I have little time to really go through the photos. Here's a few just to give you an idea of the trip so far.  Visit MichaelDanielHo.com to see more photos.

The King and I

The wandering Albatross

Magellanic penguin chick begging for food

Rockhopper penguin on a mission

Adventures in babysitting

Two heads are better than one. You reckon?

Did Digital Photography Eliminate Film Cameras

Did the advent of consumer digital photography eliminate the film camera, especially in light of Eastman Kodak's Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in 2012. Only a very limited number of companies still manufacture film for analog photography.

In my book and in the video below from the Financial Times, the answer is a definitive NO. The analog photography market has shrank dramatically with the successful introduction of Canon's first digital camera, the EOS-D30 in 2000, but the film photography market is making a small comeback, not unlike the vinyl record industry, after the launch of Compact Discs.

I am a wildlife photographer and although my main camera now is the EOS-1D X, I still have my old faithful, the EOS-1V film camera and my first professional camera was the EOS-1 when it came out in 1989. The film camera is alive and well for those who can still remember the good old days. We just have to pay quite a bit more now to buy high quality film.

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II Lens Review

* * *  Read the latest shoot in Alaska with the EF 100-400mm II lens  * * *

* * *  Read the latest shoot in Costa Rica with the EF 100-400mm II lens  * * * 

* * *  Read the latest photo shoot in India with the EF 100-400mm II lens  * * * 

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM zoom lens

Canon announced the EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II lens on November 11. These is one of my favorite Canon lenses and I placed my order right after the announcement and have just received the new model. This glass is about 16 years in the making. The original model was introduced in 1998 and it had an earlier version of Image Stabilization with a 2 stop advantage.

Although the technology is aged and it is not one of the sharpest lens in Canon's EF lineup, the Series I lens is still a very good performer and its versatile focal length and light weight makes it my favorite, handheld lens on wildlife photo shoots. This Series II lens incorporates all of Canon's technological advances in the last decade and more with new optics, coatings and material.

Specifications for EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II lens :

• Lens Construction - 21 elements in 16 groups
• Focal Length & Maximum Aperture 100-400mm 1:4.5-5.6
• Rotating zoom ring, telescopic in design
• 4 stop Image Stabilization
• 3 Image Stabilization modes
• Detachable tripod collar foot
• Minimum focusing distance 3.2 ft / 0.98m
• 9 aperture blades
• Dust and weather sealed 
• Air Sphere Coating (ASC) reduces backlit flaring and ghosting
• One fluorite and one super UD element to improve contrast and resolution
• New optics help reduce chromatic aberration across the entire zoom range 
• Filter Size 77mm 
• Latest material, offering a slight weight addition to current model
• Max. Diameter x Length, Weight
• Approx. 3.7 x 7.6 in. / 94 x 193 mm
• Approx. 36.2 oz. / 1640 g
• List price - $2,199

The EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II, together with the recently released EOS-7D Mk II camera, is one of my favorite combination equipment for handheld, wildlife photography.

The Series II lens is equipped with the latest IS technology, and comes with a 4 stop compensation plus 3 IS Modes, a feature shared only by the other Series II Super Telephoto lenses.

• Mode 1 is designed for stationary subjects 
• Mode 2 is designed for panning, allowing a linearly-moving subject to be tracked 
• Mode 3 detects panning but IS activates only at the moment when the shutter releases

This new telephoto lens features one fluorite and one super UD element. Canon claims it will provide impressive contrast and resolution with reduced chromatic aberration across the entire zoom range. Furthermore, a new Air Sphere Coating (ASC) reduces backlit flaring and ghosting, while fluorine coatings on the front and rear lens surfaces help lessen smears and fingerprints. A new 9-blade circular aperture provides beautiful bokeh.

With the improved Image Stabilization system and material of the new lens, the weight has increased by about 8.3 oz / 206 g. The dimension has grown a tiny bit in diameter but almost identical to the old lens. The EF 100-400mm II telephoto zoom lens comes with a new inner focusing AF system for faster and more accurate focusing, down to about 3.2 feet, with a .31x maximum magnification. Gone is the old Push/Pull design for zooming in and out. The new lens is equipped with a rotation-type zoom ring and a redesigned tripod mount. The small foot of the tripod mount can be detached but not the tripod mount itself.

There is also a new lens hood, with a small side window that makes it easy to adjust specialty filters like circular polarizers, without the need to remove the hood. The small window is rather loose and opens easily, whether one wants to or not. It is an annoying feature to have in my opinion. I wish there were no window there at all, so I glued it shut. In addition, the lens hood now locks into place, much like the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II. To take it off, one depresses the button on the side of the hood before unscrewing it. This is a nice feature I like and Canon should incorporate this design into every lens hood in their EF, non Super Telephoto line.

Canon retained the old Smooth/Tight ring on the lens barrel to ensure the lens does not extend itself when it is pointed downwards. At first, I preferred the Lock button on the EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS lens, but after a few long shoots, my mind was changed and the EF 100-400mm II locking mechanism is better after all. The detachable tripod foot is another feature I am not enamored with. The detachment is done by unscrewing a knob that is under tension. The foot is small and can be misplaced easily. When the foot is off, the exposed screw hole can collect dirt and dust over time, especially when out in the field. I prefer to have the entire tripod mount detachable.

Other than that, the lens is excellent and extremely well built. It has a familiar feel in my hands, much like the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II. I have taken the lens out for a quick birding trip. Mounted the EF 100-400mm Series II on the EOS-1D Mk IV camera. All shots were handheld, taken with f/5.6 aperture @ 400mm. The lens is great, IQ quite impressive and sharper than the old model. I will add an extender next time for further testing.

I have just returned from a photo shoot down in the Southern Oceans. The weather was windy, cool and sometimes misty. The EF 100-400mm II performed flawlessly but I found the lens not to be as sharp as I had hoped at 400mm wide open. The sharpness improved dramatically with a little stepping down. This does not happen all the time and I will give it additional field testing in Asia.

Just back from India. The weather was was too hot by Indian standard but the conditions were extremely dusty and bumpy on the jeeps. Put the EF 100-400mm II through some though field tests and it came through with flying colors.

Just back from Costa Rica. It rained often and the weather super humid. As usual, the lens performed flawlessly. AF was fast and accurate, even under heavy rain and cloud forest lighting conditions. Used it with both the EOS-7D Mk II and EOS-1D X cameras. I am beginning to like the lens more and more. You can see more of my works on MichaelDanielHo.com 

Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II Lens Review

              
                    * * *  Canon EF 600mm f/4 DO BR prototype lens at Expo 2015  * * *

             Read the latest photo shoot in Costa Rica with the EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II lens

                 Read the latest photo shoot in India with the EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II lens

Read the latest photo shoot in South Africa with the EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II lens

Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II lens in 400D lens case

Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM lens

* * *  Canon explains EF Lens technology - Diffractive Optics  * * *

Canon announced the EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II lens on September 11. These is one of my favorite Canon lenses and I placed my order right after the announcement and have just received the new model. This glass is about 13 years in the making. The original model was introduced in 2001 and it had one of the earlier version of Image Stabilization with a 2 stop advantage.

Although the technology is aged and it is not one of the sharpest lens in Canon's EF lineup, the Series I lens is still a very good performer and its relatively fast speed, excellent focal length and light weight made it my favorite, handheld lens on wildlife photo shoots. The Series II lens incorporates all of Canon's technological advances in the last decade and more with new optics, coatings and material.

Specifications for EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II lens :

• Lens Construction - 18 elements in 12 groups
• Focal Length & Maximum Aperture 400mm 1:4
• Diagonal Angle of View 6°10’
• Focus Adjustment Inner focusing system with USM
• Minimum Focusing Distance 10.83 ft. / 3.3 m
• Filter Size 52mm drop-in
• Latest generation 4 stop Image Stabilization system
• Comes with 3 IS modes
• Attached tripod collar
• Latest material, offering a slight weight addition to current model
• Max. Diameter x Length, Weight
• Approx. 5.04 x 9.16 in. / 128 x 232.7 mm
• Approx. 74.1 oz. / 2100 g
• List price - $6,899

The EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II lens, together with the recently released EOS-7D Mk II camera, is one of my favorite combination equipment for handheld, wildlife photography.

The Series II lens is equipped with the latest IS technology, with a 4 stop compensation and 3 IS Modes, a feature shared only by the other Series II Super Telephoto lenses.

• Mode 1 is designed for stationary subjects 
• Mode 2 is designed for panning, allowing a linearly-moving subject to be tracked 
• Mode 3 detects panning but IS activates only at the moment when the shutter releases

This new Series II telephoto lens features gapless dual-layer diffractive optical elements for improved diffraction efficiency with reduced flare. They are arranged with a large-diameter ground aspheric lens and a UD lens for unparalleled sharpness and clarity. New coatings help to reduce ghosting and ensure excellent color balance, while reducing fingerprints on the front and rear of the lens. A new 9-blade circular aperture provides beautiful bokeh.

The tripod collar is now permanently attached to the lens. It has a very small foot and even with a lens plate attached, it is rather difficult to carry the lens by grabbing on to the foot, especially if one has large hands. The most annoying thing about Canon's Super Telephoto lenses is their factory lens cap and the EF 400mm DO II is no exception. The cap is 'cumbersome' and does not do a great job in protecting the glass. I always substitute it with the Don Zeck lens cap. The DZ caps are on all my Canon Super Telephoto lenses.

With the improved Image Stabilization system and material of the new lens, the weight has increased by about 5.3 oz / 160 g. The dimension is almost identical to the old lens and it is extremely well built and has a familiar feel in my hands. The 400D lens case is slightly redesigned and feels lighter. The handle on top of the old 400B case is gone, replaced by a side handle on the right.

I have taken the lens out for a quick birding trip. Mounted the Canon EF 2.0x Series III extender and used it on the EOS-1D Mk IV camera. All shots were taken with f/8 aperture. Some shots are from very far away (Osprey and Snowy Egret). The others are from moderate distance. The lens' IQ is impressive and much sharper than the Series I especially with the 2.0x extender mounted.

It is nothing less than amazing when paired with the EOS-1D Mk IV and EF 1.4x and EF 2.0x extenders, I have a handheld package with about 520mm to 1,040mm focal length to work with and not get tired even after a full day of wildlife photography. I have also tried the lens with the EOS-7D Mk II but recommend using only the EF 1.4x on it. The EOS-7D Mk II autofocusing ability is less than desirable with f/8. It is slow and I have lost crucial wildlife shots trying to AF with that aperture. Read my 7D2 review for details.

I have just returned from a photo shoot down in the Southern Oceans. The weather was windy, cool and sometimes misty. The EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II performed flawlessly. It is a joy to use especially on handheld photography. I get to move around quickly following the wildlife without the bulk and weight of the EF 200-400mm f/4L IS . Of course, the drawback is I have to use my feet a lot to get closer or further from the action whereas the EF 200-400mm is a zoom lens with a built-in extender. The DO's sharpness improved dramatically with a little stepping down. I will give it additional field testing in Asia.

Just back from India. The weather was was too hot by Indian standard but the conditions were extremely dusty and bumpy on the jeeps. Put the EF  400mm DO II through some though field tests and it came through with flying colors.

Back from my latest shoot in Costa Rica. It rained often and the weather super humid. This DO lens is a joy to use with or without a tripod.. AF was fast and accurate, even under heavy rain and cloud forest lighting conditions. Used it with the EOS-7D Mk II , EOS-1D Mk IV and EOS-1D X cameras. This is my favorite Super Telephoto lens in my inventory. It is a real pleasure to be able to handhold a 400mm Super Telephoto lens all day and get incomparable mobility to follow the wildlife action. You can see more of my works on MichaelDanielHo.com

Advice On Buying Your First Canon DSLR Camera

Well, let us start with some hilarity on buying your first DSLR camera with the guys from DigitalRev. My readers know I have been a wildlife photographer using Canon equipment for 25 years. I started out with Minolta cameras before settling on Canon. There are many reputable camera manufacturers out there and I try to be brand agnostics. The best camera is the best camera and the best value is just that, best combination of performance and price, regardless of the manufacturer.

In the world of DSLRs, owning a camera body means buying into a proprietary lens system and most photographers are very reluctant to sell their old gear and acquire new ones just to change to a new manufacturer.

Canon's current lineup of DSLRs range in list prices from about $400 to $6,799. Some models are released recently while others are a few years old. I have picked four recommended Canon cameras for four different categories. You can also read my recommended list of Canon travel and wildlife lenses and see my work on MichaelDanielHo.com.


The best DSLR camera on the market - Canon EOS-1D X

Ever since the introduction of the Canon EOS-1 series camera in 1989, I have made this body my main piece of equipment and have upgraded to almost every new model through the decades. I am not the type who craves the 'latest and greatest' gear but once in a while, a new camera introduction can fill a gap in my equipment lineup. So when the EOS-1D X was announced, it seems to be the camera I am looking for so I placed my order and anxiously waited for the delivery.

The camera arrived last summer and I have put it through some real world, wildlife photo shoots all over the globe, from Alaska and the high Arctic to Africa, Europe and Asia using the Lexar 1000X UDMA 7 memory cards to take full advantage of the 12-14 fps burst rate. Read my review above to get the full details. After the release of Firmware 2.0.3 in January, the camera is even better than before.


The best value Canon APS-C DSLR for advanced users - EOS-7D Mk II

Canon announced the EOS-7D about 4 years ago. Although it does not have the 'latest and greatest' technology, it is still my pick for the best in class. It has an APS-C 18 megapixel CMOS sensor and Dual DIGIC 4 Image Processors, with ISO range from 100 - 12800 and speeds of up to 8 fps. It comes with the new, all cross-type 19-point AF system with improved AI Servo II AF subject tracking and user-selectable AF area selection modes.

It also has an Intelligent Viewfinder, an entirely new technology, provides approximately 100% coverage and displays user-selected AF modes as well as a spot metering circle and on demand grid lines. Read my review above to get the details and performance of this camera. The EOS-7D Mk II was announced September 15, 2014. I have taken delivery of this camera and wrote an extensive review on it after a rigorous field test in the sub Arctic photographing Polar bears.


The best value Canon full frame DSLR for advanced users - EOS-5D Mk III

Canon announced the EOS 5D Mark III in March 2012. It is a full frame camera and comes with a new 22.3 Megapixels sensor. The newest member of the EOS-5D family features a DIGIC 5+ Imaging Processor, 61-point High Density Reticular Autofocus (AF) System, 6 fps continuous shooting speed (50% more than 5D Mark II), dual memory card (1 CF and 1 SD) slots, enhanced video features with better noise reduction, longer video recording times, a built-in headphone jack for audio monitoring and an improved weather-sealed body.

The 5D Mark III shares many features of the Canon EOS-1D X, including the DIGIC 5+, 61-point AF array with up to 41 cross-type points and five dual cross-type, plus the ability to AF @ f/8. The only non EOS-1 camera capable of this feat in Canon's lineup.

The EOS-5D Mark III is well designed for cinematographers and independent filmmakers. It can capture 1080p Full HD video and 720p HD recording. It also has the new H.264 video compression formats for data storage efficiency. The camera can also double up as a Travel and Wildlife body with its ample megapixels for cropping and adequate 6 fps for action shots. Check out my post on the EOS-1D X vs. EOS-5D Mk III comparison.


The best value Canon APS-C DSLR camera for beginners - EOS Rebel T4i/T5i

The EOS Rebel T4i is not Canon's latest body but is an excellent choice for those who wish to leave the point-n-shoot camera behind and enter the DSLR world. The plastic body makes it lighter than higher-end cameras, but the feel is solid. It comes with the APS-C 18 megapixel hybrid CMOS sensor, DIGIC 5+ processor with a 9-point AF system and ISO range from ISO 100 - 12800.

In addition, it is the first DSLR camera to feature a side-hinged, articulating touchscreen LCD monitor. When mated to the Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS and EF 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM lens, it can focus with almost complete silence, a feature many videographers love. It is a camera with the proper mix of performance and price for the beginner/amateur DSLR market and therefore is my pick. Check out my post on the Rebel T5i vs. Rebel T4i comparison.

Street Photography With An Inexpensive Camera

I have been a wildlife photographer using Canon equipment for 25 years. My camera/lens combo (if restricted to one) of choice is the EOS-1D X camera and EF 24-105mm f/4L IS lens for street / travel photography. For wildlife photography, it is either the EOS-7D Mk II or EOS-1D X camera and EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x lens.

Fortunately, in most cases, I am not restricted to one camera and lens combo. You can see my equipment bag and read my recommendation on which Canon lens and camera to buy. In the wildlife photography world, the three most important components, in my opinion, are in the following order : luck, skill and experience, quality of equipment. Luck can be enhanced by increasing the number of wildlife trips one goes on.

In the videos below, fashion photographer Lara Jade, Agence France-Presse photojournalist, Alex Ogle, fine art photographer Harold de Puymorin, professional photographer Gary Tyson and Kai from DigitaRev went out on the streets of Hong Kong to see what 'toy' and inexpensive cameras can do in the hands of those who know the art of photography. If you are into street photography, one of the best is Fan Ho (no relation to me). Take a look at this post.

Canon Cameras and Super Telephoto Lens in Football Games

Many people have seen Canon cameras and the ubiquitous white lens during football games. The Canon EOS-1D X camera and the Super Telephoto lens are generally very rugged and stand up to field use but not able to withstand a football player's crushing weight.

That is what happened during the Kansas City vs. Oklahoma game when the wide receiver fell on the camera combo while trying to make a catch at the back of the end zone. The player is fine but the equipment is severely damaged.

Wildlife Photography - Photo Shoot in South Africa, Day 11

African lion's rude awakening

Reflection of a pretty mare in a watering hole

Happiness is celebrating World Rhino Day with Mom

                                    * * *  Read travel log from Day 8 and Day 6  * * *

More of the same. Settling into a daily routine now. Going out on two jeep safaris a day - early morning and late afternoon. On days that are not too hot, I will go on a late morning safari walk. Still having difficulty in finding Leopards and getting a good, clean shot at them. Most of the encounters are in thick, heavy bush and they rarely stay put for me.

I will keep this schedule up unless something changes in terms of wildlife encounters or weather. The guide and tracker I have are simply phenomenal in their knowledge and ability. It is a great help to have them assisting me in my wildlife search. The equipment I brought are the Canon EOS-1D X and EOS-1D Mk IV cameras, EF 200-400mm f/4L IS, EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS and EF 24-105mm f/4L IS lenses.The roads are very bumpy and dusty but the gear is holding up very well. Visit my website MichaelDanielHo.com to see more photos from my shoots.

Wildlife Photography - Photo Shoot in South Africa, Day 8

African lion patrolling his territory and keeping rivals at bay

African leopard hiding in thick bush cover

Young African elephant feeding in the early morning hours

                                  * * *  Read travel log from Day 11 and Day 6  * * *


The lodges I am staying is in a savanna bushveld type of woodland. Wildebeest, Cape Buffaloes, Warthogs and other grazing animals come right up to my room and it is a wonderful experience to see and feel nature close up. At night, I can hear lions calling to each other and other animals moving in the bush in complete darkness, except for the thousands of twinkling stars overhead in the black sky.

Lions are not too difficult to locate but tracking the Leopards are proving quite a challenge. When a Leopard is found, it is usually hiding in thick bush and that makes photographing them a nightmare. So far no luck on finding Cheetahs and African wild dogs. Everyday I go on two safari photo shoots - early morning and late afternoon. Mid afternoon is usually too hot and is reserved for rest and relaxation. Weather is dry and hot but the insects and mosquitoes are practically non existent, unlike the Pantanals in Brazil, a couple of weeks ago.

I had no time to post and keep up with news from Photokina 2014, Canon and the photography world in general until my return. Visit my website MichaelDanielHo.com to see photos from my previous trips.